Teachable Stories

The guest pastor scrapped his lesson this week. Decided not to pressure the congregation to enter the mission field on the morning we were sending missionaries out. Instead, he taught us how to teach stories. I found this fascinating and helpful for a Momma wanting to impart the Bible to children. So I thought I would share it with all the Mommas {even the baby-less ones} here.

Team Expansion studied how cultures with oral histories pass stories from one generation to another. They likened the story to a full cup of water passed on carefully. No room to add anything. Rim full, so you must pay attention not to lose any either.

The prep work
These are not accidental stories, made up on the spot, but carefully crafted, intentional tales, meant to be repeated precisely so that the truth is not lost. A group familiar with the original story work together to construct a complete story that is:

• Accurate {of utmost importance with scripture}
• Contextualized to the audience {drop the religious buzz words, i.e. use 'close followers' instead of 'disciples'}
• Transferable {trying to start a chain reaction of information}
• Simple {less than 3 minutes}

The process of learning is not haphazard either. But is simple enough that it can be completed around the dinner table.

• Introduce the story with any relevant history
• Alert listeners with the phrase: This is the story from God's Word
• End the story with: That's the end of the story
• Tell the story twice
• Ask listeners to retell it {they will realize they weren't paying attention}
• Tell story again
• Go around the circle of listeners taking turns telling the story one line at a time
• Pair up and tell story to each other
• Ask one volunteer to recite the story

When the story can be recited, discuss the story with five key questions:

1. Was there a person you liked? Why? What did he/she do?

2. Was there a person you didn't like? Why? What did he/she do?

3. What did you learn about God?

4. How will  act differently because of this story?

5. Who could you tell this story to?

I have in mind to work with Tim to write a series of 2 minute teachable stories that cover the key events of the Bible, simple enough to teach preschoolers. As I write them, I'll post them. Hopefully, you, the reader, can weigh in and use them with your own little ears.  

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7